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COUN100 to COUN220

 

COUN100 Interpersonal Skills                                                                                                              10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Lectures, discussion topics in study guide through distance education mode.

 

Designed to prepare students who lack the educational and psychological qualifications at tertiary level, and the clinical experience, required for professional counselling, but who have personal attributes and life experience for a counselling role with clients in residential institutions. In a period of rapid social change, notable attitudinal shifts, and increasing complexities of life, alleviating or overcoming the personal problems of individuals is of marked importance.

COUN101 Social Theory and Research 1: Contexts and Policies                                                         20 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory work.

 

The aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of the development of social welfare policy and the research methods to achieve change. Unit components are: Social Welfare Policy Analysis; Human Behaviour and Environment; and Society and Diversity.

COUN102 Human Services                                                                                                                   10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Lectures, discussion topics in study guide through distance education mode.

 

This unit acknowledges that we live in an inter-dependent society and that we need relationships to grow. This unit introduces students to the workings of society and the process by which people are classified as different according to characteristics which are valued in that society. Students are asked to reflect upon how human services have provided for people and have changed over the last century, moving from a custodial or charity model to a model based on people’s rights to a quality lifestyle of their choosing and a valued social role. This unit examines current beliefs about people who require assistance in some form, and identifies ways these beliefs are reflected in the style of assistance they receive within human services.

COUN105 Social Work Theory and Practice 1                                                                                      20 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory work.

 

This unit provides students with knowledge of the purpose, values and ethics of social work. It will give a framework for practice, and explore the roles and skills of the profession. The basic roles of the social worker (broker, enabler, educator, mediator, analyst and advocate) are presented from a generalist perspective.

COUN106 Introduction to Counselling                                                                                                  10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation 3 contact hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

 

This unit introduces the student to the history and theory of counselling in the context of other helping professions. It distinguishes between psychotherapy and counselling and provides the student with insight into the broad areas and contexts where counselling is the preferred helping modality. Characteristics of the counsellor are explored, with a corresponding development of insight into the self.

COUN201 Social Theory and Research 2: Contexts and Policies                                                         20c p

Prerequisites COUN101 Social Theory and Research 1: Contexts and Policies

Teaching Organisation Lectures, seminars, tutorials.

 

Students are provided with the opportunity to explore current social issues within the framework of social, political and economic theories. The unit builds on the concepts identified in the first year unit and applies the theories to complex social issues in society. Greater attention is given to ways in which particular schools of thought in economics and policies can dictate “solutions” to social problems.

COUN205 Social Work Theory and Practice 2                                                                                      20 cp

Prerequisites COUN105 Social Work Theory and Practice 1

Teaching Organisation Lectures, seminars.

 

Students are provided with the opportunity to analyse advanced practice from a generalist perspective. Students will draw on the frameworks of practice and skills developed in the first year and integrate these with knowledge developed in the other sequences. The focus is on selected theories of intervention with individuals and groups, and group and community interventions.

COUN207 Interpersonal Communication and Counselling                                                                   10 cp

Prerequisites SOCG100 Foundations for Pastoral Studies 1 and SOCG101 Foundations for Pastoral Studies 2

Teaching Organisation 3-hour seminar per week involving practical work.

 

This unit introduces the theoretical and practical aspects of communication and counselling. Emphasis is placed on developing effective listening and influencing skills. Students will develop a working ability to critically evaluate behaviours which contribute to effective communication, including: attending behaviour; non–verbal signals; questioning; distinguishing between thoughts and feelings; paraphrasing; reflecting feelings; and summarising. The approach will focus on the practical skills of identifying issues that arise in the process of counselling.

COUN208 Theories and Techniques of Counselling 1                                                                          10 cp

Prerequisites COUN106 Introduction to Counselling

Teaching Organisation 3 contact hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

 

This unit introduces the student to major theories, which inform counselling, and psychotherapy practice, together with their key principles and techniques, and underlying philosophical viewpoints. Theories will include behavioural, cognitive, psychodynamic, existential and humanistic approaches. Exploration of the suitability of each approach specifically to counselling will also be linked to the impact of research on practice.

COUN210 Individual and Welfare Needs                                                                                              10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation By distance education

 

The transition of the student from the home base to the residential setting requires knowledge of welfare issues affecting the student, including aspects of personal relationships, feelings of belonging and security, and behavioural boundaries.

This unit provides the residential supervisor with the knowledge and skills required to effectively care for and monitor the welfare needs of the residents and maintain effective communication within the residential setting.

COUN211 Working in Human Services                                                                                                 10 cp

Prerequisites COUN106 Introduction to Counselling

Teaching Organisation 3-hour lecture/seminar and tutorial/workshop format.

 

This unit aims to provide students with professional preparation for their future work and workplace. This unit will provide an overview of organisational theory especially (but not only) as this theory applies to Church, welfare and other agencies in the “voluntary”, “non-profit” and “for profit” sectors so that they may better understand the organisations with which they will be involved. This unit will also focus on understanding the global, national and local changes that are driving the rapid rate of change in our society and organisations today and examine how such change affects people, society and organisations. It will further explore how individuals and organisations are responding to change. As well as attempting to enable students to “think organisationally” and be prepared for their preventive, supportive and liaison roles within the community, this unit also prepares them to understand some of the issues confronting their future clients.

COUN212 Ethical and Legal Issues in Counselling                                                                               10 cp

Prerequisites COUN106 Introduction to Counselling

Teaching Organisation 3-hour lecture/seminar and tutorials per week covering various aspects of professional ethics and issues in counselling.

 

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to important issues related to professional practice in counselling. Ethics of professional practice and research will be studied including a detailed consideration of the ethical guidelines of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia and related Australian counselling associations. As well, the Codes and Guidelines of similar bodies such as the American Counselling Association, Ethical Principles National Association of Social Workers, British Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and the Australian Psychological Society (APS) will be utilized to highlight in more detail ethical obligations. Primary moral principles, which underpin ethical behaviour - autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice and fidelity - will be discussed. Issues related to the work of the professional counsellor such as interviewing, report writing, record keeping and access, mandatory reporting, supervision and case preparation, among others, will also be considered. Statutory and legal obligations on the counsellor within Australia will be covered.

COUN213 Mediation and Dispute Resolution                                                                                        10 cp

Prerequisites COUN208 Theories and Techniques of Counselling1

Teaching Organisation 3 contact hours per week that include the presentation of theory and experiential participation or equivalent in an intensive mode.

 

The focus of this unit is on conflict and its resolution and mediation and negotiation. The unit is a combination of theory and the practising of skills. Its successful completion may contribute to fulfilment of requirements of being a mediator.   Students will explore the role of ambivalence as it governs human emotional relations. Students will examine the theory of conflict, the role culturally based animosities often play, and the principles and practice of conflict management and enhanced communication skills. Emphasis will be given to the importance of the use of opposite views to clarify the conception of defensiveness in conflict, recognising that the use of defences create major barriers to the resolution of conflict. The nature of assertiveness in negotiation and mediation and the transformatory role of empowerment will also be addressed. The unit will offer students the opportunity to discuss the development of their own mediating style, and some ethical and legal issues in the mediation field.

COUN214 Grief and Loss Counselling                                                                                                  10 cp

Prerequisites COUN208 Theories and Techniques of Counselling1

Teaching Organisation Three contact hours per week via lectures, seminars and skills-based workshops.

 

This unit aims to enhance students’ skills and knowledge of grief and loss, bereavement theory and related counselling interventions. It will engender appreciation of the unique experience and expression of grief and mourning with regard to the personal, family, social and cultural context. A range of historical and current perspectives in the literature specific to grief and loss theory will be considered and their implications for practice. The needs of individuals at different stages of the lifespan, as well as special groups, e.g., minority groups and Indigenous peoples, and the context of their bereavement experiences will be examined. The unit will address the importance of self-awareness and ethical practice in relation to counselling.

COUN215 Theories and Techniques of Counselling 2                                                                          10 cp

Prerequisites COUN208 Theories and Techniques of Counselling1

Teaching Organisation 3 contact hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

 

This unit explores contemporary schools of thought and current trends in counselling and psychotherapy. Such approaches include solution-focused and brief counselling, feminist theoretical influences, narrative and expressive therapies and systemic theory and their application in practice. The importance of evidence-based and empirically supported practice and ongoing systematic research to support continued and/or modified use in counselling is emphasised.

COUN216 Religious and Spiritual Issues in Counselling                                                                      10 cp

Prerequisites THEO128 God, Faith and the Search for Meaning and COUN208 Theories and Techniques of Counselling 1

Teaching Organisation 3 hours contact per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

 

In this interdisciplinary unit students will examine the nature of human spirituality, its diversity, and its influence on development and wellness throughout the lifespan. The examination will be done within the context of counselling practice and the issues of contemporary society. Images that inform counselling models, the students’ values and beliefs, and Western cultural contexts, will be considered in terms of their bearing on the counselling setting. Throughout this unit students will be encouraged to develop theoretical knowledge as well as its appropriate application in practice.

COUN217 Counselling Diverse Populations                                                                                          10 cp

Prerequisites COUN208 Theories and Techniques of Counselling 1

Teaching Organisation 3 contact hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

 

This unit is designed to make the student aware of issues related to professional counselling in a multicultural society. Cultural diversity is examined in relation to individuals’ responses to stressors and crises, which might be influenced by the socialising influences in their development or community. Cultural sensitivity is examined, particularly with respect to ethnic identity, gender and sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status and religion, and how these impact on, for example, behaviours, rules of behaviour, attitudes and values.

COUN218 Counselling Children and Adolescents                                                                                 10 cp

Prerequisites COUN208 Theories and Techniques of Counselling 1

Teaching Organisation 3 contact hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

 

This unit addresses the particular issues and needs of childhood and adolescence, which might present to the professional counsellor. Normal physical, mental, emotional, social and moral development is considered, both from the perspective of what might be expected of the child or adolescent of the commonly presenting problems in this group. Typical behaviour management and parenting strategies are explored together with the specific needs of special but common family disruption such as ill-health, parental separation and divorce, single-parent families, fostering and blended families, and parent-child conflict. In addition common problems arising in the wider social environment, particularly the school setting, are considered, together with current thought on ways of managing these. Consideration will also be given to specific situations such as the child in hospital, disability and inclusion or exclusion in family crises. Particular emphasis will be placed on the protection of innocence and other ethical considerations.

COUN219 Family and Relationship Counselling                                                                                   10 cp

Prerequisites COUN208 Theories and Techniques of Counselling 1

Teaching Organisation Three contact hours per week via lectures, seminars and skills-based workshops.

 

Building on knowledge and skills developed in previous counselling units, this unit aims to inform students about current theory and practice in the area of relationship counselling and family therapy. It recognises the place of the family as a social institution and reviews a range of contemporary issues relevant to marriage, relationships and families, and provides training in specific therapeutic and education interventions. It will cover such issues as models of marital relationships, complexities of family and cultural differences, relationship breakdown, mediation, improving communication and conflict management in relationships, and the use of interventions to support and facilitate relationships.

COUN220 Counselling and the Aged                                                                                                    10 cp

Prerequisites COUN208 Theories and Techniques of Counselling 1

Teaching Organisation 3 contact hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

 

This subject, by introducing the student to the study of psychosocial and spiritual development in the later years of life, will examine some of the challenges, images and perspectives about the aging process. Its specific emphasis will be on the psycho/spiritual nature and implications of the transition issues that confront us as we move through the later years of life, and the contemplation of its end.